Why Native American kids are getting harsher prison sentences in WA

We could tell this next story with numbers. There is a lot of data. 

But at its core: This is a story about Native American kids. 

And how year after year, law enforcement and lawmakers in Olympia allow these children to be arrested and jailed at far higher rates than their white peers.

Those experiences as children have lasting consequences well into adulthood. 

State officials and lawmakers know there’s a problem. But advocates say they haven’t done enough to stop it. 

GUEST

• Melanie Henshaw - Indigenous affairs reporter, InvestigateWest

RELATED LINKS

• Native American children significantly more likely to be arrested, detained in Washington
• Native American kids less likely than others in WA to be offered second chance in juvenile court, data shows
• Most children charged as adults in Washington are youth of color

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